Victory = the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist; achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.
Battle = a combat between two persons; a general encounter between armies, ships of war, or aircraft; an extended contest, struggle, or controversy.
Battle and a Victory
Two weeks ago I experienced a huge victory. One where God proved He would fight for me and all I must do is be silent and watch Him work. However, before seeing the victory, the battle was the most intense I'd ever experienced.I prayed so much over the situation, seeking the Lord for answers to something infinitely bigger than me and asking Him to dissolve my will into His. There was a wrestling of the soul and complete and desperate dependence on the Savior because, again, I didn't know what to do.
Then victory came.
Joy flooded my soul and my eyes leaked as thankfulness washed over me as God so powerfully displayed His sovereignty, faithfulness and beautiful grace, along with radical and overwhelming love.
Another battle
"You're most susceptible to a great defeat after a great victory."
That quote came to life the past two week as I've struggled in my walk with God ever since the huge victory. I didn't know what was going on, but God (my two favorite words), being rich in mercy because of the great love with which He has loved us, showed me.I was living in the victory. But the victory was over.
A new day had come (actually, about 13 of them had come at this point) and with it came a new set of challenges, battles and opportunities for me to seek the Savior for victory, but I was too focused on the past to see the need for Him today.
Doesn't that sound ridiculous? It is.
Yesterday in Sunday School our pastor's wife shared how we cannot live on yesterday's blessings, but we must seek the Lord for today. That is exactly what God is teaching me.
I cannot afford to live in yesterday's victory when a war is still going on today.
Application
My prayer for us as believers is that we will see our need for Christ daily and let that need propel us to our knees to pray for help for this day and this hour.I pray we will be on guard for the attacks of the enemy. He is like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour and he wants to devour our focus, turning it on us, our situations (whether it be a battle or a great victory), or our past, and off Christ. Fight that. Resist him and keep your gaze locked on God (Proverbs 4:25).
Let us not live in yesterday's strength, because yesterday has none. Let us pick up our armor and join back in the fight, remembering the victories and rejoicing in God for them, but boasting only in the cross of Jesus Christ who took our sin so we can experience victory with God.
Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold my right hand.
You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
(Psalm 73:23-26 ESV)
